New polling from Data for Progress, Climate Power, and Fossil Free Media finds that voters strongly blame high energy prices on large oil companies and their CEOs.* They think, and believe these companies have too much power in government. Yet, voters remain optimistic about a transition away from fossil fuels and toward clean energy. This shall we say “awakened attitude” should be a warning to the fossil fuel dependent Republican party since it is bipartisan.

When asked whom they blame for higher energy prices, voters assign “a great deal” of blame to members of OPEC+ (47%), market instability driven by global conflict (42%), oil and gas CEOs (42%), and oil and gas companies generally (39%)

Three-quarters of voters, including majorities of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, further agree with the following statement: “CEOs of fossil fuel companies are taking advantage of skyrocketing energy prices caused by conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East.”

Only 35% of voters trust oil and gas companies to adhere to pollution reduction promises without oversight and enforcement,. Moreover, there is strong voter appetite for the government making polluters pay. Three-quarters of voters would support making oil and gas companies pay a tax on their excess profits, while 70% would support making polluters pay for climate damages.

Majorities, yes majorities, of Independents and Republicans support both of these proposals.